Implementation Update - Action Item #2

Item 2 – Establishing budgets for intervenors participating in certain applications

The OEB is moving forward with Item 2 of its 10‑point Action Plan by continuing the use of $20,000 “soft cap” budgets for intervenors participating in cost of service applications from electricity distributors with fewer than 30,000 customers.

The soft cap was piloted in ten proceedings and resulted in average costs of $15,332 per intervenor, with participants responding positively to the flexibility to exceed the cap when justified.

The budget will continue to be communicated in Procedural Order No. 1, and any requests to go over the cap must include appropriate justification, particularly where proceedings involve atypical or complex issues.

While $20,000 remains the standard, the OEB may adjust budgets depending on proceeding complexity, and will review the ongoing use of this standard as part of its assessment of cost award tariffs.